Law firm Lodders has hired IT security and forensics expert Alex Loquens to the new role of IT director.

He joins Lodders from Key Forensic Services Limited, where he was head of IT for over three years.

With substantial experience in forensic IT, IT security compliance and delivery, and cloud and managed services and application delivery, Alex has held a number of senior roles throughout a 25-year career specialising in IT.

These include IT operations manager at Extrinsca Global based at Oxford Science Park, IT infrastructure manager at Cheltenham-based The Commercial Group, and head of IT at DT3 LTD in Surrey.

As Lodders' new IT director, Alex is to oversee all IT governance at the firm across its three offices in Cheltenham, Stratford upon Avon and Henley in Arden.

This will include maintaining robust data protection and cyber security systems and programmes, particularly ahead of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018.

Reporting to Lodders' Board, Alex is specifically tasked with implementing a new three-year IT strategy plan that encompasses supporting increased agile and remote working for its 130 fee earners and support staff, and the firm's wider IT assets. He is also managing Lodders' IT helpdesk team, all business services systems, and the firm's managed IT outsource provider.

Commenting on the new role at Lodders and his move into professional services, Alex said: "My forensic and IT experience, knowledge and skill-set lend themselves to supporting and developing the IT function and strategy at Lodders. I know the firm well and its forward-thinking, progressive operation is a particular appeal."

Lodders' managing partner Rod Bird, added: "IT and investment in IT is an important feature of our future strategy, and the new role of IT Director is key to this. In Alex, the firm has an experienced IT specialist with the skill and knowledge to steer our IT function and implement our strategic IT plan across the firm.

"Alex's expertise, particularly in cyber security, data protection, forensics, cloud and managed services, will be invaluable to support and deliver the strategy. He represents an important addition to the firm in the new role of IT Director, which is timed as we experience significant and sustained growth."

Lodders is a premier law firm in Cheltenham, the North Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. Established for over 230 years, Lodders in particular works with private individuals, business owners, family businesses, landowners, rural communities, real estate and property owners, developers and investors.

The firm has 25 partners, a portfolio of sector and market specific legal teams, over 130 fee earners and support staff across its office network, and has recorded year-on-year growth in recent years. For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk 

Tel: 01242 228370

Picture: Law firm Lodders has hired IT security and forensics expert Alex Loquens (right) to the new role of IT director. He is pictured with Lodders' senior partner Rod Bird.